Easter: Why Not Four Days?

Each year the length of Easter break is a topic of discussion. A petition has been signed previously, and in a recent survey, students responded that their plans would change if Easter break was extended to Maundy Thursday or Easter Monday.

Fifty-two students responded to the e-mail survey and each said that a four day weekend would be preferable to the current three day break. Ninety three percent of the students surveyed preferred having Monday off rather than Thursday, though a few students said either one would be nice.

Having Monday off would enable students to travel on Friday and Monday and spend the holiday weekend with their family. "What's the point of going home for Easter, if most of us can't hardly spend a day at home because we have to travel?" said Senior Shannon Terranova.

With a three day weekend, students reported that they would visit their family, take a mini road trip, go hiking, work, or catch up on homework. Currently, some students are able to travel home, while others go home with a friend or stay on campus. Many spend the extra day catching up on homework.

Three years ago, Shannon Terranova gave the administration a petition with 200 signatures to make Easter Monday a holiday. She was told it was under review, but nothing happened. Beryl Brubaker, Provost, is not aware that EMU has ever had the Monday after Easter off.

The State council of Higher Education requires 15 hours of class for each credit a student receives, which requires a 15 week semester. To have Easter Monday off, the semester must be 16 weeks. She asked if students are willing to add another week to the semester for this holiday. Valerie Showalter said that she would only like the four day week if it meant the same number of weeks in the semester.

Junior Marlana Via asked if it would be possible to incorporate Easter break with Spring Break. Ken Nafziger, Vice President of Student Life said, "Combining Easter break with Spring break is worth considering since as a Christian University, EMU wants to recognize the holiday." However, changing the calendar takes planning in advance and requires discussion among different groups on campus. The inconsistent date of Easter also complicates things since the school likes to keep Spring break at a regular time of the year, and in the middle of the semester.